Lindsey Johnson LMFT Couples Therapist in Eagan MN
Choosing a couples therapist is an important decision. My hope is that by the time you finish reading this page, you'll have a better sense of who I am, how I work, and whether I'm the right fit for you.
I believe meaningful change begins with understanding.
When people feel heard, understood, and valued, relationships begin to change. My goal is to create a space where both partners feel safe enough to be honest, curious, and open to seeing one another in new ways.
I consider it a privilege to be invited into one of the most important relationships in your life, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.
My role isn't to decide who is right or wrong. It's to help you understand yourselves, understand each other, and work together as teammates.
Every relationship has strengths. Every relationship experiences challenges.
I don't believe healthy relationships are built by avoiding conflict. I believe they grow when both partners feel heard, understood, and emotionally safe enough to be honest with one another. My advanced Level 3 training in the Gottman Method informs much of my work with couples, and I also draw on other therapeutic approaches, tailoring our work to the needs, goals, and circumstances of each couple.
From Play Therapist to Couples Therapist in Minnesota
Early in my career as a play therapist, I had the privilege of working with children and their families. As I got to know each child, I discovered that meaningful change didn't come from trying to fix behavior. It came from understanding the child behind the behavior.
As I worked with children, building trusting relationships where they felt safe, their confidence grew, their challenging behaviors decreased, and they began using their voices to express who they truly were. Parents began seeing changes too. As they learned to better understand their child and what their behavior was communicating, they felt more confident in their parenting and more connected to their child.
That was when I realized something that changed the direction of my career: helping children often meant helping parents understand who their child is and how to truly see them. Over time, I also recognized that the relationship between parents had a profound impact on the emotional well-being of their children. When parents learned to understand one another, communicate differently, and work together as a team, the entire family benefited.
That realization led me to specialize in couples therapy. As I pursued advanced training in the Gottman Method, I discovered work that challenged me in the best possible ways. Today, I love helping couples move beyond feeling stuck, understand one another more deeply, and rediscover the friendship and connection that first brought them together.
Training and Credentials
Continuing education is important to me because I believe my clients deserve care that is grounded in research, informed by experience, and continually growing.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Minnesota and Iowa
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Completed Level 3 Gottman Method Training
- Currently pursuing certification through the Gottman Institute
- MA, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, 2009
Why Protea?
People often ask about the name of my practice. The protea flower is known for its remarkable resilience and ability to thrive through difficult conditions. I chose the name Protea Therapy because I believe relationships have that same capacity. Even when couples feel disconnected, discouraged, or uncertain about the future, growth is still possible. With understanding, intentional effort, and the right support, relationships can bloom again, even after life's hardest seasons.